Question
Hi!
I have a question about mulching.  I live on the borders of zones 6 and 7, with a usual minimum temperature in winter being...I don't know, probably about fifteen? degrees F.  I have a Sarracenia x Daina's Delight, some Drosera intermedia seeds(I don't know the form, expecting them to sprout in spring.), and am ordering a "King Henry" flytrap from you soon.  They are in a deep pot twelve inches across, and are protected from Eburg's strong northern winds by a large building.  I could easily put a four inch layer of pine needles over the top.  Would that be enough winter protection?
Thanks,
John

Answer
Hi John,

Because you're in a cold and dry winter climate, here's what I would do.  Get some weed fabric such as the black kind that has the tiny holes in it, or some Remay crop-row cover material.  Most garden centers have rolls of it that are fairly inexpensive.  You should remove the leaves from the flytrap and the Daina's Delight before covering to reduce transportation.  ( A couple small leaves on the flytrap are fine, just don't leave any large ones.)  Spray the plants with a sulfur fungicide, then wrap the planter in the fabric.  Then you want to bury the planter in your pine needle mulch.  It should look like a little mountain.  The planter needs to be on the ground, and next to a building is good.

In doing what I've described, you will well insulate the plants, but it will still breath some.  When you get snow, you can put some of that on top too.  When the weather starts to warm in spring you can start taking the covers off.  Do that when days are staying above freezing.  Keep the fabric handy for cold snaps in the spring.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com